License Activation & Transfer

This guide covers license activation for both Paint Tool SAI Ver.1 and Ver.2, including how to transfer your license to a new computer.

Important

Users with a SAI Ver.1 license can use it to unlock save/load functionality in SAI Ver.2 at no additional cost.

Understanding SAI Licensing

Paint Tool SAI uses a system-specific licensing model:

  • Each license is tied to a unique System ID

  • Licenses are delivered as certificate files

  • You can transfer your license by requesting a new certificate

  • Ver.1 license holders get Ver.2 access included

License Types

SAI Ver.1 License

  • One-time purchase

  • Unlimited updates within Ver.1

  • Includes Ver.2 access - Unlocks save/load in SAI 2

  • System-specific certificate

SAI Ver.2 License

  • Separate purchase from Ver.1

  • Full Ver.2 feature access

  • Required only if you don’t own Ver.1

Tip

If you already own Ver.1, you do not need to purchase Ver.2 separately.

First-Time Activation

Step 1: Obtain Your System ID

  1. Launch Paint Tool SAI (Ver.1 or Ver.2)

  2. The System ID is displayed:

    • Ver.1: During first launch or in Help → About

    • Ver.2: On the startup splash screen

  3. Copy or write down the complete System ID

Note

The System ID is unique to your computer hardware. It will change if you make significant hardware modifications.

Step 2: Purchase a License

If you haven’t purchased yet:

  1. Visit the SYSTEMAX official website

  2. Navigate to the purchase page

  3. Complete your purchase with your preferred payment method

  4. Save your order confirmation and credentials

Step 3: Request Your Certificate

  1. Go to the license download page on the SYSTEMAX website

  2. Enter your purchase credentials:

    • Order ID or email address

    • Password (provided during purchase)

  3. Enter your System ID exactly as shown in SAI

  4. Click Download License

  5. Save the certificate file

Step 4: Install the Certificate

  1. Locate the downloaded certificate file (usually named with your System ID)

  2. Copy the certificate to your SAI installation folder

  3. Restart Paint Tool SAI

  4. Verify activation: File menu should show normal Save/Load options

Transferring Your License

When you need to move your license to a new computer:

Before You Transfer

  • You can only have one active license per purchase

  • Transferring deactivates the old computer

  • Keep your purchase credentials safe

Transfer Process

  1. On your new computer:

    • Install SAI

    • Note the new System ID

  2. On the SYSTEMAX website:

    • Log in to your account

    • Navigate to license management

    • Request a new certificate for your new System ID

  3. Install the new certificate:

    • Download the new certificate

    • Copy to SAI installation folder

    • Restart SAI

Warning

After transfer, your old computer will no longer be licensed. You’ll need to transfer again to use it.

Using Ver.1 License for Ver.2

If you own a Ver.1 license and want to use Ver.2:

  1. Install SAI Ver.2 (Technical Preview)

  2. Note the Ver.2 System ID (different from Ver.1)

  3. Log in to SYSTEMAX with your Ver.1 credentials

  4. Request a Ver.2 certificate using your Ver.2 System ID

  5. Install the certificate in your Ver.2 folder

Tip

You can have both Ver.1 and Ver.2 licensed on the same computer, each with their own certificate.

Troubleshooting License Issues

“Invalid License” Error

Possible causes:

  • Certificate is in the wrong folder

  • System ID has changed (hardware modification)

  • Certificate was generated for a different System ID

Solutions:

  1. Verify certificate is in the SAI installation folder

  2. Check if System ID matches the certificate

  3. Re-download certificate with current System ID

Can’t Download Certificate

Check:

  • Purchase credentials are correct

  • Account is in good standing

  • System ID is entered exactly (no typos)

If problems persist, contact SYSTEMAX support.

System ID Changed Unexpectedly

Significant hardware changes can alter your System ID:

  • Replacing motherboard

  • Major BIOS updates

  • Changing primary hard drive

Solution: Request a new certificate with your new System ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my license on multiple computers?

No, one license = one active computer. You can transfer as needed.

Does updating SAI invalidate my license?

No, updates don’t affect your license.

What if I reinstall Windows?

Your System ID may change. Request a new certificate if needed.

Can I share my license?

No, licenses are non-transferable to other users.

See Also